The Hamptons is a group of villages and hamlets on New York State’s Long Island, containing some of the most desirable properties in America.

The settlements are pretty much in the ideal location – about 75 to 100 miles east of Manhattan, which naturally makes the Hamptons a very popular bolthole for city dwellers.

But that beauty and accessibility comes at a price. The most prestigious areas – the oceanfront and the estate sections – are where the money goes. Houses here range from $10m (£6m) up to $70m (£43m) and, in rare cases, even more.

Naturally, summers are busy in the Hamptons and people come not just to enjoy the scenery but to take in the social scene.

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A handful of celebrities have homes there and sing the praises of its art, fine dining and shopping scenes. So as well as romantic couples strolling arm in arm across wide, sandy beaches you are also likely to spot the Hollywood glitterati hobnobbing with each other in the many highly regarded restaurants.

However, says Harald Grant, Senior Global Real Estate Adviser for Sotheby’s International Realty, “There is a more laid-back attitude than one finds among similar events in high-powered city society circles. Also, the area is still open and, in places, undeveloped, so if you want to get away and spend quiet time, you can – with ease. The lifestyle here is one that appeals to so many people.”

Whether you’re into watersports, shopping, art or networking, there will be a place in this leg of Long Island for you. Tourists come to hike through the Montauk Mountains or surf at Ditch Plains, renting houses for the entire summer (hotels are few and far between).

Architecturally, the Hamptons is an intriguing mix of modern and historic. Oceanfront, shingle-style structures, rustic barns, rambling estates and Colonial mansions can be found alongside angular post-modern designs.

You can still get cheaper properties. One million might get you a decent renovated or new-build, three or four-bedroom house, possibly even with a pool.

It’s fair to say that most homes sold now in the Hamptons are second homes or weekend getaways Key areas in the popular village of Southampton have homes listed in the $1.6m range but these are few. The further away from the village centres you go, the more likely you are to find a bargain, especially if you head out to the farm fields of Water Mill or Bridgehampton or the hilly areas of Noyac and areas outside of Sag Harbour village (where John Steinbeck lived out his days) and Wainscott.

If it’s tranquillity you’re after, one of the least built up and more peaceful towns is Montauk. Found at the tip of the island, it is known as “The End” and surrounded by water on three sides.

The main highway that runs east to west through the Hamptons is Route 27, commonly called "the Highway". Generally, but not always, properties north of the Highway are lower-priced than those south of the highway. You can still get cheaper properties south of the Highway but it’s harder.

It’s fair to say that most homes sold now in the Hamptons are second homes or weekend getaways and that demand has not dipped among the country’s elite, as well as international buyers (latterly from the Far East, Russia, and South and Central America).

Mr Grant says that 2013 has been one of the best – if not the best – years in recent memory, “And the level of sales activity has not dropped off,” he adds.

The Hamptons’ appeal comes with a certain reputation. Hell, anywhere that you can put the word “crowd” after has to be worth paying attention to. But don’t be fooled by its moneyed vibe. It’s a beautiful, accessible place to set up home.